What did you do before indoor cycling?

“I started out in radio and then in TV, producing shows like This Morning. I moved into Quiz and Gameshow Development, and my last job before leaving was coming up with catchphrases for Catchphrase! I can still remember a four-hour meeting about Bananas in Pyjamas!”

What happened next?

“I was hit by a car while cycling to work, which left me with serious injuries and a very long rehab. Indoor cycling was recommended as part of my recovery, and it changed everything. I fell in love with how controlled and adaptable it could be when taught properly. Eventually, that curiosity pulled me out of TV and into fitness full time.”

You came up with the term ‘spin-timidation’. What does that mean?

“One of the most common things I hear when people find out I’m a spin instructor is, ‘I hate spin’. The thing is, I don’t necessarily disagree. There is, sadly, a lot of bad spin out there, and it has a reputation for being gimmicky, competitive, cliquey and, probably worst of all, dangerous. That’s why I coined ‘Spin-timidation’. I’m challenging this because when indoor cycling is taught correctly, with evidence-led programming, and empathy, it is one of the safest, most effective workouts there is.”

What needs to change?

“The attitude – less theatre, more coaching, without an instructor getting up in front of everyone and basically put on a show, regardless of who’s in the room. You wouldn’t get that in any other exercise class. Can you imagine if I went to my first ever boxing workout and spent the session watching the coach work the punchbag while a room full of people struggled to keep up? It has to change.”

What makes Cadence’s approach different?

“Our classes are designed for longevity. Every session balances rhythm and strength training, so riders leave feeling worked but not wrecked. We focus on safe ranges, joint health, and proper technique, and we build confidence first, then intensity second. We don’t jump on trends. We programme first and ensure the rider is at the heart of everything we do.”

What advice would you give someone walking into their first spin class?

“Don’t chase anyone else. Find your rhythm, focus on form, and remember resistance is your friend. You’re better off doing less but doing it well and building up gradually. You know you’re in a good class if you have an instructor that sets you up, clips you in, gives you options as a newbie, and tells you to go at your own pace.”

Do you think the fitness industry is doing enough to be inclusive?

“Too much still sells perfection, when most people just want to feel better and stay mobile. I’m very much over these ‘how to get abs’ tripe, and I’d like to think the public are, too. If you scroll though Instagram it would have you believe everyone is prepping for their next Body Building competition, whereas most of us just want to be healthier and have enough energy to run around the park with our kids.”

Who inspires you outside of the fitness world?

“Claudia Winkleman: she’s a fantastic broadcaster who makes everyone feel comfortable but does so while staying sharp and unpredictable. That’s a very rare mix. I’d also put Alison Hammond and Sue Perkins in that bracket. I’ve a lot of respect for people that are so good at their job it looks like they’re making it up as they go along, when the reality is they’re knowledgeable and meticulously well prepared. That’s what I look for in my instructors. It’s absolute gold dust.”

It’s the end of the day: how do you relax?

“We have an 18-month-old, so while peace isn’t on the menu I do totally switch off as my focus is entirely on her. Just regular toddler things like trying to stop her launching herself downstairs or licking plugs! When she’s in bed, I spend time relaxing with my partner. Nothing fancy, just the things that make life feel normal. When your job is loud and high-energy and you’re talking all day, sitting quietly with a book or watching something on TV I find is the best way to unwind.”

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Eyewear for cycling can protect the eyes from various weather conditions. For example, during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, sunglasses can shield your eyes from dust, insects, and the sun’s damaging rays. Meanwhile in the winter, sunglasses can provide a barrier to snow, rain, wind, and mud.

Speaking to Checklist, Sharon Copeland, an optician at Feel Good Contacts, explains that when buying a pair of shades for cycling, there are various things to look out for, including the lenses, frame, arms, and nose bridge.

1. Choosing between mirrored or polarised lenses

If you’re cycling in a sunny environment, mirrored lenses are a stylish and practical choice. However, a mirror lens isn’t suitable for dark and wet conditions.

I would recommend polarised lenses when cycling on the road as these provide the ultimate protection against glare and keep you safe when riding in various conditions. They help filter out reflections from bright, smooth surfaces allowing you to identify risks clearly.

Polarised lenses are not suitable if you are a mountain biker as there is usually very little glare out on the trail compared to road cycling. Depth perception can make it harder for you to spot an obstacle or bump.

2. Opting for the right lens colour for cycling

Amber and rose-tinted lenses increase visual acuity, providing the brightest field of vision and making them ideal for conditions with little sunlight. Their strength in colour contrast makes them a great choice for cycling on roads. These tints enable you to notice the smallest of details quickly and clearly.

When choosing coloured lenses for cycling, you should avoid choosing tints that are too dark as they will make it hard for you to see in shady areas, such as under trees, tunnels, and bridges.

The following lens colours are also great choices for cycling:

Grey tinted lenses – reduce glare and provide true colour perception; they are great for cycling all year round

Brown tinted lenses – enhance contrast in natural light and are great for low-light conditions

Yellow tinted lenses – these filter out blue light, allowing you to see contrast better. This makes them a great choice for cyclists who find themselves in low light conditions and overcast days

3. Does size matter?

Big frames are great for providing coverage and protection; however, some riders may find that they interfere with their peripheral vision.

4. Frame shape

If you find that big frames interfere with peripheral vision then you might want to consider wraparound sunglasses. These type of sunglasses offer the most coverage, protecting your eyes from sun, wind and debris, and they stay in place on the face better than other models. By shielding your eyes from the wind, they can also reduce tear evaporation and prevent dry eyes. Oakley and O’Neill are both popular brands for wrap sunglasses.

5. Prescription sunglasses

If you’re looking for prescription sunglasses, you can choose Transitions (photochromic lens), which darken when exposed to direct sunlight, or you could opt for Sun Tints, which feature a full, permanent dark tint. Both feature 100% UVA and UVB protection and are available in three colours (grey, brown and green).

6. Ensuring that the arms are the right fit

It’s important to carefully inspect the arms of sunglasses and glasses when choosing frames for cycling. Check that the arms and hinges are sturdy enough to keep your frames firmly in place, even over the roughest terrains.

7. Straight Temples

Also, you may want to consider frames with straight temples, as these are easier to take off when you have your helmet on.

8. Nose bridge checks

Sunglasses with adjustable nose pads and bridges are ideal for offering a more personalised fit. These features ensure that the sunglasses stay comfortable and in place whilst cycling.

9. Scratch resistance

It would be wise to choose a scratch-resistant, large lens when looking for cycling sunglasses.

10. Sun protection

Finally, you can best protect your eyes while cycling by choosing sunglasses which reduce glare and filter out 99 to 100% of UV rays.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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Everyone’s exercising preferences are different. Some prefer running in the countryside, soundtracked only by the wind whistling in their ears, measuring their pace with their own breath. Some lean towards circuit reps on their tried-and-tested gym equipment, headphones plugged in, pushing themselves to the limit of what they can lift. Others like to be plunged into a dark room with flashing lights, pounding dance music and an exuberant, sweaty instructor yelling instructions at them over a set of handlebars.

Spin’s popularity is skyrocketing. What began as a static cycle class in larger, brightly lit gyms, has now spawned a wellness trend with thousands of dedicated studios and a devoted following of millions worldwide. Walking into a spin studio is more akin to entering a nightclub dance floor, though the drunken, dancing bodies are replaced with static bikes and sweating fitness addicts. The classes often include frenetic light displays of flashing LED strips and strobes, designed to intensify the overall fitness experience. Each class is called a ‘ride’ and has a carefully curated soundtrack to accompany the rising and falling cadence of the cyclist’s pedalling. Controlled by a dial in the centre of the bike, cyclists add and remove resistance to make their ride more challenging, as directed by the instructor. The instructors themselves are hyper-positive, enthusiastic and committed to powering you through their strenuous workout with smiles on their faces, and their general vibe and gung-ho attitude are synonymous with the spin wellness movement.

So what are the health benefits to this indoor cycling craze? The bursts of intense effort involved in a spin class have a positive cardiovascular impact, and improve the rider’s overall fitness. The activity also builds muscle and core strength, but its focus on pedal power can often neglect the upper body. Spin pioneer Peloton has come up with a solution for this in their at-home spin offering. They sell their static bikes and a subscription to classes so that customers can ‘ride’ live with thousands of others around the globe. Their non-cycling classes include floor exercises and meditation, so that their riders can flex other muscles beyond their quads and glutes. Having your own bike at home also suits those who would rather not be blinded by lights and deafened by music, and can instead enjoy the challenge of a spin ride from the comfort of their own home (and at decibels of their choosing.) Other studios, such as Psycle, which have their flagship studio in London, offer yoga and barre classes and at-home classes to keep their riders in full-body shape.

If you think your own indoor exercise bike and nightclub-style studio sessions sound costly, it’s because they are. Spin may be the shiny, sweaty, dance-party wellness craze sweeping the world, but it comes with a price tag that hopping on a Boris bike for a lap around the park does not. Classes in the studio can cost between £15 and £40, though many studios offer discounts for block bookings and yearly subscriptions. Sign up for a Peloton or Proform and your spin addiction could cost you £600+ for the bike itself, plus a monthly subscription on top. 

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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1. Raleigh

Raleigh is one of the world’s oldest and best-known bike brands. Established in 1887 in Nottingham, England they are still based in their hometown today. Discover more than 130 years of history and passion for cycling, along with their vision for the future.

With bikes to suit the whole family, Raleigh delivers a fantastic range of adult and kids bikes for all ages and abilities. Whether it is commuter and town bikes, to balance and adventure kids bikes, they really have it all.

So what are you waiting for? Take to the outdoors, make the most of the British summertime and experience the unparalleled joy of cycling with Raleigh.

Find out more at raleigh.co.uk

2. E-go Bikes

Ways to cut carbon dioxide emissions have never been more vital, and carbon-friendly transport is in vogue. E-go Bikes offer three types of their fantastic foldable electric bikes for greener, cleaner travel.

Lite is their top-selling bike for commuters, boat owners, apartment owners and city-goers. It’s a small, portable folding bike that really packs a punch with its 36-volt 250W motor powered by a 6.4Ah LG battery to give a range of up to 50km. It weighs just 15kg, and can be folded in seconds to put in the car boot.

Lite+ is similar to the Lite but with the addition of larger wheels, seven-speed Shimano gears and a 7Ah Samsung battery. It weighs 18kg in total.

Max A is a bigger bike all-round with a huge 14Ah Samsung battery, seven-speed Shimano gears. It has a range of up to 90km and weighs 20kg.

Find out more at e-gobike.co.uk

3. Frogbikes

As parents, we want our children to get the best start in life and for them to grow into happy, healthy and successful grown-ups. Increasingly parents face daily battles with ‘screen time’ – whether it’s TV, games or even just phones. Introducing kids to cycling from an early age gives them lifelong skills to keep them active.

This is why Frog Bikes invested in research to develop a range of high quality, lightweight kids’ bikes to encourage more kids to get out and enjoy the freedom of cycling.

On a lightweight bike which is correctly fitted to the child they find it easier to learn, develop skills quickly and can keep up with mum and dad. Every part of a Frog Bike is designed specifically for smaller riders, so the bike is the best fit possible and easier to handle.

Find out more at frogbikes.co.uk

4. Nano Bikes

Rediscover the joy of cycling with the nano electric bikes system. Level out the hills to arrive cool, calm and collected wherever you are going: shopping, commuting or out exploring.

The lightest, quietest and easiest to fit Brompton electric conversion is specifically designed to fit perfectly on a Brompton but can also be fitted onto Moultons and selected other brands.

Your bike can be transformed into electric drive in just a few hours with prices from £785 for everything you need for the conversion. Nano Bikes can fit the kit for you or supply everything you need for a DIY conversion including full fitting information.

With over 10 years’ experience fitting and maintaining electric bike systems on Bromptons, a conversion system by nano electric bikes is the superior choice if you already own a Brompton or if you are looking at a second-hand or new one.

Find out more at nanoelectricbikes.co.uk

5. Jorvik Tricycles

Jorvik tricycles is an iconic British company supplying high quality tricycles in the heart of the historic city of York. They produce a wide range of quality adult tricycles in multiple colours, ranging from Folding Tricycles, Low Step-Over Tricycles, Mountain trikes and best-selling Electric Folding Tricycle which makes peddling seem effortless.

All their tricycles come in a variety of sizes, suiting the small to the tall and the young to the old. Jorvik tricycles are the perfect way to cycle for all types of riders. Whether you have balance or mobility issues or you just want the ease of three wheels while having room to carry your allotment tools or shopping bags, then a Jorvik Tricycle is for you.

Along with the added benefit of being kind to the environment while looking oh-so stylish, you’ll also reap the benefits of the freedom and exercise a Jorvik tricycle provides, giving you a healthy body and a happy mind.

Find out more at jorviktricycles.com

6. Beryl

Beryl Bikes, the award-winning, London born and bred bike share, are on a mission to get more people in cities on bicycles.

Beryl Bikes are available across the City of London. Whether you need to get to your office quickly from Liverpool Street station, fancy going further afield to discover a new lunch spot, or have a meeting across the Square Mile, Beryl Bikes can get you there quickly and easily.

Beryl first hit London’s streets with their award-winning patented Laserlight, seen on over 11,000 bikes in the Santander Cycles scheme. Earlier this year they began operating several successful bike share schemes in cities across the UK and have recently announced they will begin their international expansion by operating in New York City from next year.

Find out more at beryl.cc

7. Hovding

Developed in Sweden, Hövding is the world’s first airbag for urban cyclists, ideal for riders of fold-ups, e-bikes, hire bikes and commuters.

In tests by Stanford University, Hövding’s unique airbag, which is worn instead of a helmet, inflates to cover your head whilst stabilising the neck to provide the best protection on the market. Stanford’s conclusion was that Hövding is up to eight times better than a traditional helmet.

With a series of complex sensors and algorithms to detect cyclist’s movement, it inflates in just 0.1 seconds to protect the head. Hövding have already sold more than 155,000 helmets across Europe and are available to purchase now at kitradar.com, the gadget lovers sports store.

Find out more at kitradar.com

8. PedalSure

Did you know most cycle claims are due to accidental damage and theft? Did you also know most home insurers do not provide accidental damage cover while riding your bicycle, let alone allow you to participate in a sportive or race. Research has shown that household policies do not always cover bikes away from home. Even if you have contents insurance, it’s likely you’ll have to add your bike onto your policy at extra cost.

With specialist cycling insurance your bike is covered against theft and damage whether you’re at home or out and about.

PedalSure is a leading specialist bicycle insurance provider offering comprehensive cover for cyclists and their bike; covering electric, road, mountain and commuter bikes. Insurance is bought online and allows customers to tailor cover to meet their needs.

Public Liability cover will protect your legal liability if you accidentally injure a third party or cause damage to property while riding your bike.

Find out more at pedalsure.com

9. Carradice

Carradice have been making saddlebags and panniers for more than 80 years. In the early 1930s Wilf Carradice first made a saddlebag for himself and discovered it was far better than anything else available. Friends soon asked for copies. By the end of the 30s Carradice were making tents, rucksacks, sleeping bags and jackets too. Throughout the 40s and 50s their bags were the choice of every hard riding tourist or clubman.

Carradice produce specialist and exclusive bicycle bags for city-goers and wheel-turners alike. Their extensive range of panniers, saddlebags and rackpacks are made with high-quality and durable materials to ensure the contents of your bag are held safe and secure.

Find out more at carradice.co.uk

10. Pashley

Pashley Cycles is England’s longest established bicycle manufacturer. Founded in 1926 and based in Stratford-upon-Avon, their dedicated team design and hand-build a unique range of traditional bicycles and tricycles. 

From their flagship traditional Princess and Roadster models to the exclusive Guvnor Path Racer, every one of their bicycles is built to exacting standards. The range includes classic and commuter bikes and retro beach cruisers, as well as adult and children’s tricycles that provide stability and pleasure on three wheels.

Pashley also supplies high-quality carrier cycles, cargo bikes and load carrier tricycles for industrial and commercial use, offering companies an economical and environmentally friendly alternative for transporting food and equipment, vending, or delivering post.

Find out more at traditionalcycleshop.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Ten great cycling companies to keep in mind for your next bike ride appeared first on Checklists.

As more and more people switch to travelling, and especially commuting, under their own (powered) steam, the demand for e-bikes is predicted to continue, as increasing numbers of us switch to electrified personal transport and realise its benefits.

At their core, e-bikes are a regular push bike that feature a battery-powered electric motor to provide drive to the wheels. They can either operate via ‘pedal assist’– where the motor activates when the pedals are in motion – or by simply adding power when required via the controls, and driving it a bit like a moped. They can be charged by simply plugging into a wall socket or they can partially charge via the dynamo action of the pedalling (often known as a ‘recovery function’).

Although e-bikes are derided by some serious cyclists as ‘cheating’, the fact that one can let the machine take the strain when needed makes travel by bike even more accessible to a wider section of the population – and especially those who may find their own fitness a barrier.

A recent survey of 2,000 people in the UK by bike specialists, Tredz (tredz.co.uk), reported that as of 2021 one in 20 people in the UK own an e-bikes and nearly 40% of people in the UK say that they would cycle more if they had an e-bike.

The survey went on to further state that almost four in every 10 people in the UK (38.88%) would cycle more if they had an electric bike, with 35 to 44-year-olds being the largest age group saying they’d cycle significantly more if they had an e-bike.

In Europe, by 2030, it is projected that there will be around 15 million e-bikes sales per year.

The impact of the pandemic lockdown on our exercise and habits cannot be underestimated, with sales of sporting equipment and health and fitness equipment skyrocketing.

So why e-bikes in particular?

Transport for London’s Cycling Action Plan recently reported that 20% of London residents choose not to cycle to get about as they feel they are either not fit enough or simply too old, two factors which would both lend themselves to the specific benefits of an e-bike.

In addition to this, 28% of e-bike buyers bought their e-bike as a substitute for a car and journeys on e-bike were around 21% faster than a traditional bicycle. Halfords has also reported that it sells 65% of its e-bikes to those aged 55 and over, highlighting the fact that old age is one of the primary reasons why people consider riding an e-bike.

Other major reasons for riding e-bikes include replacing a car, riding up hills, saving energy, improving health and fitness, and spending more time out and about with friends and family.

So what are the benefits?

E-bikes can propel a rider at greater speed and with less effort than a regular bike. On most, pedalling action is still required, but the excessive strain is taken away by the motor. This allows the rider to still get a workout, but with an added effort-boost when needed to make difficult sections of the ride easier.

In terms of drawbacks over a regular bike, e-bikes are much heavier due to the battery and extra components, so extra planning is required for long journeys so you can keep them charged up; pedalling a flat e-bike home may be quite an arduous process!

E-bikes can also be prohibitively expensive for some, most are around three figures but increasingly cheaper options are available as the cost of the technology comes down.

So, its clear to see why e-bikes are seeing a massive uplift in popularity at the moment. With climate change in the zeitgeist and the government’s ban on petrol and diesel vehicles looming (and the subsequent promotion of electric vehicles in general), many towns and cities are wanting to create safer cleaner environments – such as London’s ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone), and are installing more bike lanes and safety measures for cyclists.

Maybe it’s time to get on your e-bike?

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